Stagnant CSAP scores in Denver and rest of state
Re: “Students stay stuck,” Aug. 1 news story.
The most astonishing statistic in last Wednesday’s report on student test scores is not that the worst-performing students made no progress in reading skills from the third to the fifth grades. It is that from the fifth grade to the 10th grade, the percentage of students statewide with proficiency in mathematics dropped from near 70 percent to 30 percent.
This is a troubling trend. It means that most Colorado high school students can do little more than add, subtract, multiply and divide. It also means that most have no chance of comprehending algebra and geometry, skills that are essential to building a career in science or engineering. Doubtless it is necessary to make every effort to increase the reading skills of students who are lagging behind their classmates. But the pervasive lack of math skills is only going to ensure that in the future those passing through our public school system will have only the ability to read the instruction manuals that come with their new iPods or televisions, and not be able to design or build one.
Edward Carlstead, Denver
. . .
There’s been so much research done on how children learn, and I wish that the public would realize that by about third grade, it’s almost impossible to turn things around. Reading to children before school makes a big difference. Talking to children, listening to them and responding to their words and ideas are all critical, and help make the connections between neurons in the brain that support learning. We can blame the schools all we want, but it’s the critical first years that provide the foundation.
We need to help parents go to the library with their children – even when they’re babies. Go to storytimes, check out lots of books. Read every day. Parents can read for fun themselves and show children that this is a valuable way to spend time. Do those things, and test scores will rise dramatically.
Carol Edwards, Denver
In defense of Senate candidate Bob Schaffer
Re: “Liberal group claims Schaffer sold vote,” July 31 news story.
Anyone who knows Bob Schaffer, currently a member of the State Board of Education, knows that his votes, his principles and his patriotism are not for sale. Claims suggesting otherwise are outrageous, not only because they are totally without any basis.
When questioning Schaffer’s vote, as one of four board members in favor of renewing the Life Skills Center Charter, why not question the three opponents as having sold their votes to the teachers union that supported each of their campaigns?
While there is much that differentiates Senate candidates Mark Udall and Bob Schaffer politically and ideologically, it is hard to imagine that even Udall would question Schaffer’s integrity and principle-based values. Bob Schaffer is one of the very few in Congress who honored his term-limits pledge. He co-authored the original “No Child Left Behind” bill and then voted against it after the sausage-making system eviscerated it.
Does he seem like the type of man who would sell his State Board of Education vote for a campaign contribution from an old friend and education reform ally?
Stephen M. Schuck, Colorado Springs
Front Range ozone problem
Re: “Who’ll pay tab for ozone solution?” Aug. 1 news story.
What The Post’s article didn’t ask was who will pay the tab if we don’t clean up our air quality? Ozone pollution can have very negative effects on both our health and our environment.
Ozone acts as a powerful respiratory irritant, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, wheezing and coughing. Ozone can also exaggerate asthma. It also has negative effects on plants, trees and agriculture, making plants more susceptible to disease.
One solution to reducing ozone pollution – adoption of the Clean Cars Program – will save consumers money and fuel the economy. Hybrid cars have been shown to retain their value better than conventional cars.
The benefits of cleaning up our air and cutting pollution from vehicle emissions far outweigh the costs. The best way to protect one’s health from ozone is avoiding exposure and staying inside on days when ozone is high. If we fear the outdoors for the effect it may have on our health, then is the cost of cleaning up the air too high a price to pay?
Meghan McCloskey, Colorado Springs
To send a letter
E-mail: openforum@denverpost.com (only straight text, not attachments)
Mail: The Open Forum, The Denver Post, 101 W. Colfax Ave., Suite 600, Denver, 80202
Fax: 303-954-1502
Guidelines: The Post welcomes letters up to 200 words on topics of general interest. Letters must include full name, home address and day and evening phone numbers. Letters may be edited for length, grammar and accuracy.
To reach us by phone: 303-954-1331
